DER connection process

Step 1:

• Apply for a service layout: complete the Service Request form and select net metering if this DER will inject to the grid. Within 15 days (minimum, up to 60 days for more complex projects), if there is capacity in the grid to host your DER, a Service Layout will be generated and sent to you. The Service Layout will indicate actions that both you and Hydro Ottawa are responsible for, and include a quotation for the portion of work that Hydro Ottawa will complete. This information will be provided to you or your contractor, depending on the contact included when submitting the service request. Note: There is no capacity to host DERs on the feeders listed here.

Step 2:

• Payment is required before Hydro Ottawa can commence work. Please note that service layouts are valid for 90 days.

Step 3:

• Hydro Ottawa will coordinate with the customer to schedule work based on the service layout outlines. Please note that all preparatory work must be finished and the Electricity Safety Authority Connection Authorization must be received to allow for Hydro Ottawa to complete work and energize your system.

Step 1: Complete a Preliminary Consultation Information Request (PCIR)

• You will receive an email containing a Unique Case Number for your proposal. For all future communication, you must put this Unique Case Number in the subject line of the email.

  Within 15 days, Hydro Ottawa will reply with a Preliminary Consultation Report (PCR), identifying if there is capacity on the grid for your proposal, as well as any technical, financial, or timeline considerations of your proposal. The preliminary consultation process does not consider the full range of technical evaluations that would be performed through a Connection Impact Assessment (detailed in Step 2 below). Capacity is only reserved upon completion of a successful Connection Impact Assessment, in accordance with Distribution System Code and DER Connection Procedures requirements.

  Note: Hydro Ottawa does not offer flexible hosting capacity arrangements at this time.

Step 2: Apply for a Connection Impact Assessment (CIA):

• Complete the Connection Impact Assessment application form. Instructions to complete the form are available here - CIA Modification Guide and CIA Instructions. Please include the technical drawings plus submit payment. The application and drawings need to be stamped and signed by a Professional Engineer, currently licensed in the province of Ontario.

• Once Hydro Ottawa deems your application complete, we will begin the CIA report. Within 60 days (minimum, longer for more complex projects) you will receive the completed report, outlining feasibility and pre-conditions of connection, along with a high-level cost estimate and a preview of the Offer-to-Connect terms. The CIA expires in six months.

  If eligible – Simplified CIA

  • Hydro Ottawa offers a Simplified CIA for projects that meet the criteria outlined below. The applicant will be informed in the PCR if the project qualifies for a Simplified CIA. The Simplified CIA is completed within 30 days. Note that a Simplified CIA cannot be guaranteed if a prerequisite changes prior to the proponent receiving the Connection Impact Assessment results.

    Simplified CIA Eligibility Criteria:

    Size Limits:

    • Single-phase DER: Greater than 12kW and up to 30kW
    • Three-phase DER:
      • Greater than 12kW and up to 50kW when connected to a distribution line operating below 15kV
      • Greater than 12kW and up to 100kW when connected to a distribution line operating at 15kV or higher
  • The proposed DER must be inverter-based and not include any energy storage components (e.g. batteries)
  • The proposed DER must not be connected to a restricted feeder
  • The proposed DER must not require any upgrades and/or expansion of the existing Hydro Ottawa distribution system
  • The proposed DER must be connected to one of the following:
    • A Hydro One Networks Inc. (HONI) station with sufficient Threshold Allocation
    • A Hydro Ottawa (HOL) station with adequate short circuit and thermal capacity

Step 3: Apply to connect the DER:

• Once you have reviewed the CIA and understand any pre-conditions outlined, you must formally notify Hydro Ottawa of your intent to proceed with your DER connection proposal. Please reply to the email thread in which you received the CIA, ensuring you include your Unique Case Number in the subject line. This notification must be sent within six months of the CIA issuance, as the CIA will expire after this period.

• Upon receiving your confirmation, Hydro Ottawa will assign a dedicated Project Manager to your proposal. This Project Manager will guide you through the subsequent steps required to obtain your Offer to Connect.

  Important Note: Please be aware that the completion of a CIA does not grant permission to begin construction of your DER. Construction approval will be provided separately by your assigned Project Manager after a site visit has been conducted.

Step 4: Sign the Offer to Connect and return it with payment

• To formally move forward with your DER project, you must sign the Offer to Connect (OTC) and return it to Hydro Ottawa along with the specified payment before the expiry date indicated on the OTC.
• Upon receipt of the signed OTC and payment, this will start the process to bring your DER project through construction to in-service. As a key next step, Hydro Ottawa will arrange a pre-construction meeting. This meeting will ensure a clear understanding of the project scope, timeline, associated costs, the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved, and the applicable Hydro Ottawa standards.

Step 5: Prepare your DER for commissioning

• To prepare your DER connection, you will need to complete the commissioning process:
  • Commissioning Plan: Use our Standard DER Commissioning Guide to create your project-specific commissioning plan. The applicant is responsible for ensuring that their protection adheres to the codes, standards, and legislation in place at the time of the application.
    • Simplified Commissioning Plan (If Applicable): For smaller, inverter-based projects (≤ 50 kW aggregate nameplate rating, no energy storage, no Metering Control Box [MCB]), a Simplified DER Commissioning Guide is available.
    • Hydro Ottawa Witnessing: Hydro Ottawa is required to witness the commissioning of your DER system. Please coordinate the scheduling of this with your Project Manager.
  • Obtain ESA Connection Authorization: You must secure a Connection Authorization from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).
  • Start Generating Power: Once your DER successfully passes commissioning and all necessary legal agreements with Hydro Ottawa are signed, you will receive authorization to officially begin electricity production.